The journey to the West to obtain the scriptures was long.
Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong had taken Huanglong Zhenren, who had nearly fallen into the Devil Dao, under their wing at Eagle Sorrow Ravine. Now they were traveling west toward Western Spirit Mountain.
"Master, there's a monastery a dozen or so miles ahead called Guanyin Monastery. We can rest there for the night and have some vegetarian food!"
Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks as he spoke to Tang Sanzang.
In his heart, he had already cursed the Western Teachings and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas countless times.
He was the mighty Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong. One somersault could carry him 108,000 li across the void, yet he had to walk the entire journey to obtain the scriptures. It was simply absurd.
Could this be the earliest form of red tape?
"Amitabha Buddha! Excellent!"
A gleam flashed in Tang Sanzang's eyes. He casually wiped the grease on his hands onto the dragon scales beneath him, then resumed the appearance of an enlightened monk.
"Master, you're really something!"
Huanglong's deep voice carried a hint of resentment.
Along the way, Tang Sanzang would occasionally pull a roast chicken or suckling pig from his sleeve. He'd even secretly started drinking the imperial wine bestowed by Li Shimin, making Huanglong and Sun Wukong drool with envy.
"Bald donkeys are all bad news. Take it easy, Junior Brother Huanglong."
"What's so good about mortal food? Once we find some demon that's earned the wrath of heaven and earth, we'll skin it, pull out its tendons, and have ourselves a little barbecue."
"Or how about taking your senior brother's advice and letting me and Master have some dragon meat?"
Sun Wukong patted the enormous dragon head and spoke casually.
Huanglong was